Last season, Océane Michelon demonstrated emphatically that it belongs to the global biathlon elite. France’s Olympic champion is already looking ahead to the next Winter Games.
“We have to think about it. The fact that they are taking place in France gives them even more meaning, and we are told a lot about them,” replied Océane Michelon in an interview with the newspaper “Le Dauphiné” when asked what role the 2030 Winter Games already play in her mind.
With a smile, the 24-year-old added: “We have no choice but to think about it. It’s a milestone. A goal. But there is still a lot to do, a lot to discover, which will certainly influence these Olympic Games.”
Michelon has only been taking part in the World Cup since January 2024, in the meantime she has had a meteoric rise and is not only a two-time Olympic champion, but also a world champion. She also won a silver medal at the Olympics and the World Cup.
“That’s what we’re here for. We’ve dreamed of the Games since we were children, of competing at the World Championships. And it’s great to be able to experience and enjoy that now,” enthused the exceptional biathlete.
Biathlon Olympic champion “needed to get going”
Michelon had not expected that she would shine so much at the Winter Games, where she caused a sensation, especially with her gold gala in the mass start. “For me personally, it was about enjoying the experience to the fullest, soaking up the atmosphere,” she clarified.
She also “took a while to get going” because she didn’t run in the first week. At least she had the “time to immerse herself in the atmosphere”.
Michelon had already hinted at her incredible talent in 2024/25. Including the World Cup, the Frenchwoman finished in the top 10 in 13 individual races and was on the podium twice, including in the World Cup mass start. In addition, she also established herself in the relay.
